Life's Little Gems

If you ever get into the trap of thinking that you’re something, I challenge you to read today’s Hukam at the Bhog today during Sadhana Gurdwara

Shalok, First Mehl:It is difficult to be called a Muslim; if one is truly a Muslim, then he may be called one.First, let him savor the religion of the Prophet as sweet; then, let his pride of his possessions be scraped away.Becoming a true Muslim, a disciple of the faith of Mohammed, let him put aside the delusion of death and life.As he submits to...

“If you think you live in righteousness, you don’t.” We were seated at a table in Westwood on a cool summer evening in 1987. Yes, it can get very cool in L.A. in the summer when the sun goes down. The Siri Singh Sahib, Yogi Bhajan, made this statement in context of the movie we just watched. I don't remember the movie, but I’ve remembered what he said daily. Please let me explain.

At the time, I thought his statement meant that righteous living is following the rules of your...

For me, gemstones have a "siren" like allure. When I see the soft velvety nature of an emerald or the cherry candy like color of a ruby, I want to touch it or eat it. I'm hooked. But, I must admit, loving gemstones is usually an acquired taste.

I have learned to further love gemstones for another far more important reason. Oh, don't get me wrong, I still love their beauty, but there is life beyond life and there is gemstone beauty beyond beauty. Here's how it works.

The day before yesterday, I was talking with someone very close to me about their success in their life - or lack the thereof in their case. The focus of the discussion gravitated to the fact that no matter how hard they worked and tried, they still weren't successful in their life.

Now, this person is an extremely hard worker, completely devoted, intelligent, skilled, competent and there is no reason that they shouldn't have all The Universe has to offer. So what is it, why aren't they successful? It boils down to this, we are all amazing beings with unlimited...

First, let me explain why gems work. Gems work on the subtle plane of existence. What is the subtle plane? Let me give you an example. Let’s say we walk outside on a clear night with no moon shining. The stars are glowing. I point to the North Star and say “Do you see it.” “Of course,” you would respond. Then I say “Do you see the star directly at the top of the North Star? “You might say, “Yes, I do, but it keeps blinking in and out.” Then I would add, “Do you see the star directly above...